Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge

Quick Facts

Things To Do

Overview

Aroostook NWR is located on part of the former Loring Air Force Base, in Limestone, Maine. It was established in 1998, when 4,700 acres were transferred from the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge also administers some 2,400 acres of wetland conservation easements throughout Aroostook County. In a portion of Maine where the landscape is dominated by agricultural crops such as potatoes and broccoli, Aroostook NWR protects valuable wildlife habitat. The variety of habitat types attracts a diversity of wildlife species.

The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is located in Aroostook County, Maine. This is the largest county east of the Mississippi river with a population density of 11.1 persons per square mile. The total area of Aroostook County is 6,672 square miles.

The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is currently working on restoring wildlife and bird habitat on part of the former military base. Old military buildings and parking lots have been turned into grasslands for wildlife and birds. Six miles of trails have been constructed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing. The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge currently contains 10 ponds, plus Greenlaw Brook, Willard Brook, Butterfield Brook and Little Madawaska Stream.

The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is located off Route 89, five miles from downtown Limestone and eight miles from Caribou.

Activities

Hiking

There are many hiking trails located throughout the refuge.

Wildlife Watching

The refuge offers several trails totaling approximately 6 miles. The trails lead the observer through the various habitats found on the refuge, wetlands, spruce-fir, and northern hardwood forests. Opportunities to see moose, black bear, mink, martin, fisher, and up to twenty species of warbler abound. Mid-May through June and September are the best times to see the refuges' wildlife.

Park Partners

The Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a non-profit volunteer organization working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(207) 328-4634

Directions

Driving

Heading north on I-95 from Bangor, ME take exit 62 Houlton, ME. Turn left on Route 1 north. In Caribou, take Route 89 West toward Limestone. Turn left onto Loring Commerce Road and proceed for approximately two miles. Ahead will be a set of railroad tracks; cross the tracks, and bear right at the fork. The refuge office and Visitor Contact Station is on the right.